Mother Reflects on the Loss of Her Son Returned from Gaza

After 759 days of anguish, our son Itai has finally come home, though it’s not the happy reunion we envisioned ever since he was taken on October 7, 2023. We prayed for a different ending, longing to hear his laughter again and hold him close. But that’s not the reality we’re facing now.

In just a few days, we’ll lay Itai to rest. Our hearts will shatter all over again, a pain not felt since Itai bravely fought alongside his tank crew and saved many lives. Only Matan, one of his crew members, survived that day. We held onto hope for a miracle like his return, but that wasn’t in the cards for us.

Itai’s return for burial is immeasurably painful but, in a way, it’s a relief that we can finally say goodbye. His time in captivity was a relentless period of mourning for us, leaving no room to move forward.

I can’t express enough gratitude to the U.S. government for its steadfast commitment to securing the release of hostages. Their leadership has meant we no longer have to wonder about a future filled with unanswered questions and relentless suffering.

And yet, as we mourn, my heart aches for the families still trapped in uncertainty.

While Itai’s return gives us closure, it doesn’t diminish the pain for the six families who are still waiting for their loved ones. I find it hard to move past this. I can’t just close this chapter; the nightmare continues for them. The fight isn’t over, and we won’t rest until every last hostage is safe at home.

The tragic events of that dark day, October 7th, and the subsequent cost of war have left deep scars. We must strive to create something stronger from this sorrow. I truly hope that Itai’s ultimate sacrifice—and those of others—will guide us toward a future of unity and healing for Israel.

This moment is pivotal for our nation. Israel can’t just slide back into its routines of petty politics and conflict. We need to rebuild—not just our country but also our collective spirit, with unity as our true strength. We owe it to all we’ve lost to pursue an end to this cycle of violence and build a better future for our children.

We stand at a crossroads, faced with profound sorrow. The future of Israel rests on strong leadership that can unite us and foster healing.

As I prepare to lay my son to rest, I choose to believe that his sacrifice—and those of countless others—will inspire a more united Israel, responding to this tragedy with a commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in the future.